Possible Roles for Purinergic Receptor P2RX4 in Breast and Prostate Cancers.

The purinergic receptor P2RX4 contributes to the malignant behavior of breast and prostate cancers. It is upregulated in these malignancies and promotes tumor progression through mechanisms involving EMT, autophagy, and the release of pro-malignant lysosomal contents. P2RX4 also influences cellular signaling pathways by interacting with oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Certain genetic variants of P2RX4 are associated with an increased risk of developing these cancers. Hence, targeting P2RX4 represents a promising therapeutic approach, with potential strategies including antibody and CAR-T cell therapies and the development of small-molecule inhibitors. Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which P2RX4 drives cancer progression and to translate these findings into effective and safe clinical therapies.